Luck and privilege help, sure, but your point is simply inaccurate. The people who get promoted at work are generally the ones who work hard and perform well. The people who succeed in school aren’t the ones cutting class. They’re the people who go to class, do the assignments, and study. Intellect makes school easier, yes, but even those who struggle in school can earn a degree. Most successful people don’t grow up in super wealthy homes with tons of connections. The fact that some people work hard and don’t become wealthy doesn’t mean that hard work isn’t important. The people you talk to probably aren’t angry because of their ego. They’re likely offended by your insults. Telling someone they only have what they earned because they got lucky is very offensive. Do you know how hard doctors, for example, work to get through med school? I’m sure they are offended if you say their success is luck.

Way to go! Being on your own at 18 had to be so hard.

Have you ever heard the saying that winners do things that losers don’t? I think it’s mostly about the doing. Work hard. If you don’t have a degree or a trade, go to school. Sometimes it’s not about wanting to work or learn. I love learning and working, but I don’t always WANT to work or learn. The key is doing things when you don’t want to do them. The moving also creates inertia that keeps you going.

This is a tough one. I used to keep my private life very private, and, over time, I realized that I wasn’t building networks like other people. And some people found me cold, despite the fact that I was always kind... Now, I disclose, but I try to do it in a very positive way. For example, if asked if my parents are married, I’ll say they divorced, which was healthiest for everyone, and I have awesome stepparents. I don’t try to make my life sound perfect (people will hate you for that, too!), but I try to ensure that I sound healthy and never come across as someone overwhelmed by life. I think the key is to not give people ammunition. Hope that’s helpful in some way.